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WADERS, WHERE DO I BEGIN?

Since the advent of breathable waders a few years ago, addressing the question of selecting the proper wading apparel for saltwater applications has become a bit less tedious. Fly fishermen are no longer subjected to bulky and burdensome design issues that are usually associated with neoprene, rubber or PVC derived products. In fact, many of the more progressive wader manufacturers have deserted all other materials in lieu of breathable and the more versatile Gore-Tex style fabrics.

It just makes sense. Unlike their predecessors, breathable materials offer the angler the opportunity to adjust his "under wader ware" according to the conditions he encounters. While early spring and late fall may require a layer of medium weight fleece (this to must be breathable) to achieve optimum comfort, summertime could necessitate only the use of shorts or light cotton pants. In other words, waders constructed of breathable materials are designed to keep you dry without the discomfort associated with added mass.

Technology, competition and the increasing availability of quality raw materials have helped to curtail price points as well. American made, stockingfoot waders are now being offered in today's marketplace for as little as $149, which is a far cry from their initial asking price. The most significant part of the equation is that performance has not suffered in the least, in fact, the quality to cost factor is the most attractive it's been since the original development of the product.

BOOTFOOT VS. STOCKINGFOOT
Without question the saltwater angler will be best served by opting for bootfoot waders (waders with the boots attached). Not only is the exercise of instillation a lot less physically demanding, this style of wading gear will also eliminate constant combat with accumulating sand and debris often associated with stockingfoots (waders with a separate boot). In our no so distant past, it was nearly impossible to acquire a proper fit should your shoe size be disproportionate to your body type. With the liberal range of sizes being offered by modern manufacturers, achieving a proper fit has become less consequential. While it is still true that you will ultimately attain a better overall fit with stockingfoots, the gap has been substantially narrowed.

Another point worth mentioning is that the saltwater environment, while it is formidable, is a lot less demanding than cold water habitat. From a durability point of view a trout zealot is likely to tangle with algae infected rocks, blow downs, unstable stream bottoms, pucker brush and countless other obstacles that will require the reassurance that only a stockingfoot wader can offer. Wading an unfamiliar river affords far more challenge than strolling a sandy beach.

FELT OR CLEATED SOLES?
I've always opted for felt sole waders. Categorically they are simply more versatile due to the fact that they excel in both fresh and saltwater environments (should you be a crossover angler). The felt offers substantially more traction on slippery rocks and doesn't seem to impede maneuverability when trekking along barrier beaches or coastal flats. While cleated soles may be the better choice for "salt only" anglers, we suggest that you consider felts in the event you have the opportunity to pursue freshwater species.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB